Hamas policemen in the Gaza Strip have, in the past 48 hours, broken
up demonstrations organized by young Palestinians who are demanding
that the Islamist movement and Fatah end their differences and form a
unity government.

Inspired by the current uprisings in a number of Arab countries, the
protests on Monday and Tuesday were organized through Facebook
members in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Demonstrators said Tuesday that as soon as they had gathered in Gaza
City’s main square, Hamas policemen had shown up and informed them
that their demonstration was unlicensed.

“They ordered us to leave or face arrest,” said one of the
activists. “They threatened to beat and arrest anyone who violates
[the orders].”

Eyewitnesses said that the policemen then used force to disperse the
protesters, some of whom were taken into custody.

According to a human rights organization in the Gaza Strip, the
policemen beat Ahmed Arar, one of the main organizers of the protest,
and arrested three others.